VIP Security Provided Only on Intelligence Threat Assessments: Minister

16-Jul-2026

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Special security protection for politicians and other prominent individuals is granted solely on the basis of threat assessment reports prepared by the State Intelligence Service and not at anyone's discretion, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said.

Addressing the post-Cabinet media briefing at the Government Information Department on July 14, the Minister said an official communication from the Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of VIP Security had confirmed that no special security had been provided to 11 individuals, including Ashoka Ranwala, Mohamed Rizvi Sally, Sarath Kumara, Ajith Shantha, Ruwan Wijewera, Thilanga Yogamage, Sunil Piyanwala, Dinesh Hemamantha, Ranjith Madhuma Bandara, H.M. Dharmasena and Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera.

"Even Cabinet Ministers such as ourselves are not automatically entitled to special security. The public should understand that such protection is granted only where there is a verified security requirement," he said.

The Minister noted that certain Opposition MPs and some former public representatives who are no longer Members of Parliament continue to receive security in accordance with Police Circular No. 2398/26 issued in 2020.

He explained that whenever an individual requests police protection, a threat assessment report is first obtained from the State Intelligence Service. The level of threat is then evaluated, following which a committee chaired by the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs decides whether security personnel should be assigned.

He added that some politicians representing the Northern and Eastern Provinces, although no longer serving as Members of Parliament, continue to receive VIP security based on intelligence assessments indicating potential security threats.